The David Spoon Experience

05-13-25 part 2: Righteousness by Faith Alone: The Gospel Bridge That Cannot Be Broken

1. The Impossible Standard of the Law
Dr. Spoon opens with a deep dive into Romans 10, where Paul presents the impossible standard of the Law. Quoting Moses, he highlights that the Law demands full obedience to every command—a task that no one outside of the power of the Holy Spirit could ever accomplish. Dr. Spoon humorously yet soberly points out how our flesh, driven by hidden motives and a sinful nature, makes it impossible to fully obey God's Law on our own strength. He reminds listeners that even our best efforts, when done apart from the Spirit, are like filthy rags before God (Isaiah 64:6), and our hearts are more deceitful than we can imagine (Jeremiah 17:9).
2. The Bridge Built by Christ Alone
Transitioning into the heart of the Gospel, Dr. Spoon explains that Jesus Christ serves as the only true bridge between humanity and God. Using a powerful illustration, he describes Jesus as the cross-shaped bridge that connects us to the Father—fully God and fully man. This unique dual nature makes Jesus the only mediator capable of reconciling the divine with the human. Dr. Spoon emphasizes that salvation is not an achievement we can earn by trying harder or following more rules; it's a gift from God, established through the redeeming work of Christ on the cross, and received by faith.
3. You Can’t Climb Up—Salvation Comes Down
Dr. Spoon then passionately debunks the notion that people can reach up to heaven or down into the grave to retrieve salvation. Quoting Paul in Romans 10:6-7, he stresses that no one can ascend to bring Christ down or descend to bring Him up—God alone provides salvation from above. Faith isn’t about performing religious tasks or working our way into heaven; it’s about receiving what God has already provided. Salvation is by faith, through grace, and never by human effort or merit. Dr. Spoon reminds listeners that even their acceptance of salvation is a response to God's initiative, not their own accomplishment.
4. The Simple, Powerful Gospel
Wrapping up the message, Dr. Spoon returns to the beautiful simplicity of Romans 10:8-9—that the message of salvation is close, on our lips and in our hearts. It's not complicated: believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and confess Him as Lord, and you will be saved. Dr. Spoon warns against overcomplicating the Gospel or falling into the trap of thinking we can “earn” our way into God's favor. Instead, he invites believers to rest in the assurance that salvation is a gift, received through faith alone, and to boldly share this message with a world that desperately needs it.

05-13-25 part 1: You Don’t Know the Scriptures or the Power of God: The Double-Edged Problem of Today’s Church

1. Exposing the Sadducees’ Error
Dr. Spoon dives into the confrontation between Jesus and the Sadducees in Matthew 22. These religious leaders, who denied the resurrection, angels, and spiritual realities, sought to trap Jesus with a trick question about marriage in the afterlife. Jesus’ response wasn’t merely intellectual; it was a direct rebuke to their spiritual blindness. He exposed them as being “one brick short” and told them plainly: “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” Dr. Spoon emphasizes that Jesus’ reply wasn’t soft or politically correct—it was truth spoken boldly to those stuck in their self-made limitations.
2. The Universal Problem of Biblical Ignorance
Jesus’ words ring just as true today, Dr. Spoon warns. The single biggest issue in both the church and the world is the ignorance of Scripture. Dr. Spoon passionately explains that people—even believers—are destroyed for a lack of knowledge, referencing Hosea 4:6. Many profess to know parts of the Bible, but few have it richly dwelling in them. He likens it to someone ignoring the creator’s instruction manual while wondering why their life is broken. The Bible isn’t just a book; it’s the divine blueprint from the Author of life. Without it, people are left floundering in confusion, making the same mistakes over and over.
3. Forgetting the Power of God
But Dr. Spoon doesn’t stop there. He warns that the second half of Jesus’ indictment is even more tragic for believers—they forget the power of God. Christians tend to downplay or forget that they serve the same God who parted the Red Sea, raised the dead, and still performs miracles today. Dr. Spoon admits that even he falls into this trap, sharing how easy it is to mentally acknowledge God’s greatness while practically living as if He’s small. He challenges believers to shake off this spiritual amnesia and remember that the same resurrection power that raised Christ is at work in them.
4. Reviving Faith in the Word and the Power
Dr. Spoon ends the message by urging believers to revive both their hunger for the Word and their belief in God’s power. He encourages switching translations, reading differently, or mixing up routines to avoid getting spiritually stale—but never stepping away from the Word itself. When Scripture lives in us, we learn to recognize God’s voice, His direction, and His miraculous interventions. Dr. Spoon’s call to action is simple yet profound: “No more ‘I can’t.’ No more ‘I doubt.’ It’s time to say, ‘No, no, no, no. I believe.’” It’s time for believers to reclaim their knowledge of Scripture and their belief in the power of God.

05-12-25 part 2: Signs, Circumcision, and the Everlasting Covenant of the Heart

1. The Covenant That Never Fails
Dr. Spoon dives into the rich text of Genesis 17, where God establishes His everlasting covenant with Abraham and his descendants. This isn’t a one-time promise—it’s a commitment that stretches across generations, reaffirming that God will always be their God. Dr. Spoon highlights how this commitment extends to believers today, connecting them to Abraham’s lineage not through physical descent but through faith, as Galatians 3 affirms. This pre-law covenant stands unshaken by time or circumstance, representing God’s unwavering promise of eternal relationship with His people.
2. Beyond Physical Circumcision: The Heart of the Matter
In his dynamic teaching style, Dr. Spoon shifts the focus from the physical act of circumcision to its deeper, spiritual symbolism. While circumcision was given as a sign of covenant acceptance, it was never the covenant itself. Dr. Spoon warns that many reduce the faith journey to outward rituals, forgetting that true acceptance comes from an obedient heart. In the new covenant, the circumcision God desires is of the heart—cutting away the excess flesh of sin, pride, and worldliness. It’s not about ceremony; it’s about surrender.
3. Cutting Away the Flesh of the Heart
Dr. Spoon candidly challenges believers to recognize the “flesh” that accumulates in their hearts due to the distractions and compromises of the world. This spiritual buildup dulls sensitivity to God’s voice and will. He reminds listeners that circumcision in the New Testament sense is about inner transformation, not external labels. Just as Abraham’s obedience was a sign of agreement, believers today affirm their covenant relationship with God through heartfelt submission and faith in Christ’s finished work.
4. An Unbreakable Commitment to You
Wrapping up, Dr. Spoon brings a word of encouragement: God’s commitment to His people is everlasting and unshakable. Even when His people stumble repeatedly, He remains faithful, drawing them back again and again. Dr. Spoon celebrates the God of “not just second chances, but trillions of chances.” No matter how far we fall, if we humble ourselves and return, God welcomes us into His arms. His promise is eternal life and unwavering love. Our response? To believe in our hearts, confess with our mouths, and live in the joy of His everlasting covenant.

05-12-25 part 1: Chosen Love, Undeserved Favor, and the God Who Doesn’t Let Go

1. God’s Declaration of Undeniable Love
Dr. Spoon leads us into Malachi 1, where the Lord makes a profound and often misunderstood statement: “I have loved you deeply.” Yet Israel responds with skepticism, asking, “How have You loved us?” God answers by reminding them of His choice of Jacob over Esau—a deliberate act of love and covenant commitment. Dr. Spoon emphasizes that while this might feel harsh or confusing, it’s actually a declaration of God’s personal love. The Lord is saying, “I chose your forefather, and through that choice, I chose you.” It's not about favoritism—it’s about divine love that runs deeper than human understanding.
2. The Mystery of Divine Choice and Human Free Will
Dr. Spoon carefully walks the listener through the tension between God's sovereignty and human responsibility. From a human view, people must make choices, but from God's perspective, He is weaving a perfect plan that includes His intentional selection. Like a tapestry seen from the underside, life may look chaotic, but from God’s vantage point, it's a beautiful picture of purpose. Dr. Spoon explains that the failure of many believers is missing how much God’s choice reveals His love. His selection of Jacob’s line is a direct reflection of His intentional, passionate pursuit of us—making us heirs of Abraham by faith and part of His eternal family.
3. Judgment Against Wickedness, Protection Over His People
As Malachi continues, Dr. Spoon explains how God’s rejection of Esau and Edom underscores His protective nature over His people. While Esau’s descendants tried to rebuild, God declared their efforts would fail because they embraced wickedness. Dr. Spoon points out that God’s alliances aren’t random—they are purposeful, filled with love for those who are His and judgment for those who oppose Him. Even when believers feel attacked or wronged, God sees, God knows, and God will always have the last word. No injustice against His children escapes His notice or goes unanswered.
4. A Covenant That Cannot Be Broken
Dr. Spoon closes with an encouragement that God’s covenant is not fragile—it’s forever. Even knowing our weaknesses, God chose us. He committed to us fully, knowing our failures before we ever made them. His love isn’t performance-based. It’s a declaration rooted in His faithfulness, not our perfection. This is the heart of Malachi’s message—not just about tithes and offerings, but about recognizing and rejoicing in the unbreakable love God has for His people. Dr. Spoon urges us to let this truth sink deep into our spirits: God will never let go. Ever.

05-09-25 part 2: Attitude, Authority, and the Keys to the Kingdom

1. Humble Responses Change Everything
Dr. Spoon begins with the story of King Rehoboam in 2 Chronicles 12, where the prophet Shemaiah confronts him and the leaders of Judah with a harsh truth: “You have abandoned Me, therefore I now abandon you.” Yet instead of reacting with pride or excuses, they humble themselves and confess, “The Lord is just.” Dr. Spoon emphasizes that owning our failures without defensiveness is crucial. God isn’t looking for perfection—He’s looking for humility. And when He sees it, He responds with mercy. The difference between destruction and deliverance is often found in a repentant heart.
2. Don’t Defend Your Sin—Surrender It
Many believers instinctively defend or justify their wrongs when God brings correction. Dr. Spoon warns against this impulse. When God confronts us, it’s never without cause—and certainly never a mistake. The best response? Own it. Be honest. Be humble. Dr. Spoon reminds us that God isn’t nitpicking out of boredom; He’s correcting out of love. He doesn’t call us out to shame us—He does it to bring us back into alignment with His best. Our posture before God in correction determines whether we experience restoration or resistance.
3. You Have the Keys—Don’t Forget Them
In a powerful tribute to Pastor Ray, Dr. Spoon shares Ray’s teaching from Matthew 16: Jesus declares, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom.” This bold promise wasn’t made in a safe place—it was declared near the gates of hell in Caesarea Philippi, a dark center of idol worship. There, Jesus announces the church will prevail. Gates aren’t offensive weapons—they’re defensive, which means the church is supposed to be on the move. Dr. Spoon challenges us to stop playing defense. God’s people have been handed authority. The question is—are we using the keys, or leaving them in our pockets?
4. Be Strong, Be Confident, and Stand in Victory
Closing with the encouragement from King Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 32, Dr. Spoon reminds us that when overwhelming threats surround us—be it armies, sickness, or spiritual attack—God is still greater. “With them is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and fight our battles.” The power we carry isn’t our own—it’s God’s. And His presence changes everything. Dr. Spoon urges believers to stop walking by sight and start walking by faith. We don’t need to be afraid or discouraged. The battle is the Lord’s—and He fights for us.

05-09-25 part 1: Zits in the Church, Angels of Light, and the God Who Sees Through It All

1. When the Enemy Wears a Name Tag
Dr. Spoon dives into 2 Peter 2 with unflinching clarity, describing false teachers and wolves in sheep’s clothing who feast among the church as though they belong. He humorously but sharply compares them to “zits on the face of faith”—blemishes that seem small but are impossible to ignore. These individuals don’t just act in sin—they celebrate it, openly indulging in deception and manipulation. They connect to the church for social, financial, or strategic gain, not spiritual truth. And the scariest part? They blend in. They look the part. But inwardly, Peter says, their hearts are trained in greed and driven by deception.
2. Satan Doesn’t Wear a Red Suit
Dr. Spoon passionately debunks the cartoonish image of Satan—red horns, pitchfork, cape—and reminds us of the real danger: the enemy comes as an “angel of light.” Borrowing from C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters, he emphasizes Satan’s tactics of stealth and subtlety. The devil isn’t obvious; he’s strategic. Just like in warfare, the enemy operates below radar, infiltrating churches, conversations, and even leadership through flattery, manipulation, and false teaching. Christians must not underestimate the spiritual battle—they must be watchful and discerning, because the real threat often looks like a friend, not a foe.
3. Discernment Isn’t Optional—It’s Armor
Jesus said, “Watch and pray,” not “Ignore and relax.” Dr. Spoon calls the church to maturity—urging believers to develop spiritual discernment. Not paranoia, but awareness. He acknowledges there are “phenomenal, extraordinary people in every church,” but also warns that the enemy plants his own. Christians must learn to spiritually assess what can’t be seen with the natural eye. Just because someone talks Christian doesn’t mean they walk with Christ. The gift of discernment is essential, and believers should be praying for it daily. It’s not about fear—it’s about readiness in a world where deception wears a smile.
4. Jesus Didn’t Seek Approval—Neither Should We
Wrapping with a challenge and comfort, Dr. Spoon reminds us that Jesus Himself didn’t live for human approval. He spoke the truth, without flattery or manipulation, because His audience was the Father—not the crowd. Likewise, believers today must resist the temptation to conform to culture or soften their message for applause. Our call is to speak, live, and love truthfully, no matter the response. Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world, and the God who sees through deception also sees—and rewards—our faithfulness.

05-08-25 part 2: Failures, Forgiveness, and a Gospel Comeback Story

1. Onesimus: From Runaway to Brother
Dr. Spoon begins by highlighting the powerful story of Onesimus, once a runaway slave, now called a “faithful and beloved brother” by the Apostle Paul (Colossians 4:9). It’s a stunning transformation—someone who failed socially and legally now restored and elevated in God’s Kingdom. Dr. Spoon emphasizes that in God’s hands, nothing is wasted. Just like Joseph’s imprisonment was part of God’s greater plan, Onesimus’s past became a platform for grace. We often see our mistakes as disconnected disasters, but in God's economy, every broken road can be woven into a redemptive journey.
2. Mark: Restoration After Ministry Failure
Another striking example Dr. Spoon unpacks is John Mark—once rejected by Paul for abandoning a mission, now warmly welcomed and celebrated (Colossians 4:10). The same Mark who wrote the Gospel used by millions to come to Christ. Dr. Spoon reminds us that failure isn’t the end of the story. God delights in comebacks. Paul’s instructions to “welcome” Mark show the power of forgiveness and restoration within ministry. It also reveals how vital it is not to give up on someone too soon. One person's departure today might become tomorrow’s greatest contribution to the Gospel.
3. The Church’s Struggle to Restore Its Own
In a bold moment, Dr. Spoon addresses a sad truth: the modern church often discards its leaders and members when they stumble. He challenges this “anti-biblical” mindset, noting how the early church didn’t abandon Peter after his denial, or Paul after his past persecution. Instead, restoration was the standard. Dr. Spoon warns against throwing out the “baby with the bathwater,” calling believers to embody Christ’s mercy. If Jesus doesn’t give up on us when we fail, why should His people give up on each other? Restoration isn’t optional—it’s Gospel.
4. Grace and Mercy: The Real Church Culture
Wrapping up, Dr. Spoon brings it all together with this central truth: grace and mercy aren’t just theological buzzwords—they’re meant to shape the entire culture of the Church. Whether it's Onesimus, Mark, Peter, or any one of us, God never stops pursuing restoration. If we want to reflect Jesus, we must practice this in real time—loving the broken, forgiving the flawed, and walking with those in process. No matter what the failure looks like, God's grace is deeper still. Our call? To receive that grace—and extend it just as freely.
 

05-08-25 part 1: When God Heals—and We Don’t Believe It

1. A Doctor Visit, a Prayer, and a Vanishing Problem
Dr. Spoon opens with a surprisingly humorous and heartfelt story about a painful ear issue that brought him to the doctor. Despite water flushing, medical tools, and three attempts from the staff, nothing seemed to work—until he and Noelle began praying at the same time. Without anything visibly removed, the issue suddenly resolved. All the medical professionals were left scratching their heads. Dr. Spoon’s conclusion? It was a miracle—but one he struggled to fully believe. This moment became the launchpad for a deeper message: why is it easier to believe God will help others than it is to believe He’ll help us?
2. The Battle Between Belief and Deservedness
Dr. Spoon reflects on the spiritual disconnect many believers experience. While we have faith that God can heal, provide, or act on behalf of others, we doubt that He would do it for us. Why? Often it’s because we feel unworthy, or we’re afraid to hope and be disappointed. Yet, Scripture reminds us that God is both willing (Luke 5:13) and compassionate (Luke 7:13). The healing of the leper and the raising of the widow’s son show us God’s heart in action. Dr. Spoon urges us to confront this “spiritual hesitation” and reminds us: the question isn’t “Can God?” but “Will God?” And the answer is—yes, He will.
3. Stop Blocking What God Is Offering
We often unintentionally limit God by assuming His blessings are “for others.” Dr. Spoon calls this theology of unworthiness “warped” and encourages believers to stop blocking the very grace God wants to give. He points out that even the early church didn’t always believe God’s answers (Acts 12—Peter’s release from prison). The key is not perfect theology or perfect people—it's surrender, trust, and childlike faith. We must stop holding God at arm’s length with our own insecurities. Instead, we should approach Him with the same openness we had when we first believed.
4. The Hope That Anchors and Saves
Dr. Spoon concludes with a passionate Gospel call. While the central message is about healing and faith, he connects it to salvation: the ultimate healing of the soul. The Gospel is simple—Jesus died, was buried, and rose again. If we believe that and surrender to Him, we are saved. And if God loves us enough to save us, why would He stop there? He has more grace to give. More healing. More provision. More wisdom. But we must receive it. Not with doubt. Not with hesitation. With faith. And faith isn’t based on what we feel—it’s based on who He is.

05-06-25 part 2: Misguided Zeal, Living Water, and the Simplicity of Saving Grace

1. Paul's Heart and the Power of Persistent Prayer
Dr. Spoon begins with a heartfelt focus on Romans 10:1, where Paul passionately prays for the salvation of his fellow Jewish people. Despite being a powerhouse preacher and apostle, Paul knew that only God could reach the hearts of his kinsmen. Dr. Spoon urges believers to adopt that same relentless compassion—not just for strangers, but especially for our loved ones who haven’t yet said yes to Jesus. Some may not have outright rejected Christ, but they haven’t accepted Him either. That middle ground is not safe. So keep praying. Keep interceding. Don’t stop just because it’s been years. God’s arm is not too short to save.
2. Zeal Without Truth is Spiritual Quicksand
Continuing in Romans 10, Dr. Spoon warns about having passion without proper direction. Paul recognized that his people had zeal—but it was misdirected. They clung to their own system of righteousness, boxing God into human categories. Dr. Spoon likens this to many Christians today who attempt to mold God into a version they find palatable. Whether it's cultural, political, or theological boxes, none of them can contain the living God. The danger isn’t having passion—it’s directing that passion toward a god of our own making. If we want to follow the real Jesus, we have to let Him lead—on His terms.
3. Living Water and the Only Way to Be Made Right
Interwoven with powerful listener interaction and trivia, Dr. Spoon reflects on John 4, where Jesus offers the woman at the well “living water.” It’s a vivid reminder that salvation isn’t something we earn—it’s a gift we receive. Back in Romans 10, Paul writes that Christ fulfilled the entire law, and now everyone who believes in Him is made right with God. Not everyone who attends church or lives “clean” is saved—but everyone who believes in Jesus is made righteous. Dr. Spoon reminds us to avoid over-complicating salvation. It’s not about rules—it’s about relationship, and it starts with simply saying “Yes, Lord.”
4. From Religion to Relationship—Let Go of Control
Dr. Spoon closes with a powerful challenge to believers: stop trying to manage God. Many modern believers get trapped in what he calls “religious performance,” trying to structure their righteousness apart from grace. But Scripture makes it clear: God’s way is through Christ, not through law, effort, or tradition. Whether it's New Age spirituality, cultural morality, or even Christian legalism, anything that tries to bypass Jesus is counterfeit. Paul’s message is clear—God made the way, and it's Jesus. Believe it, receive it, and rejoice in it. Salvation may be complex from heaven’s view, but from ours, it starts with trust and surrender.

05-06-25 part 1: Questions, Quicksand, and the Power of Knowing God

1. When Religion Plays Games
Dr. Spoon dives into Matthew 22:23–29, picking up where Jesus had just shut down the Pharisees’ political trap with the famous “Render to Caesar” response. But now the Sadducees step in—with a new attempt to trap Jesus, this time using Scripture. They don’t believe in the resurrection or anything supernatural, and their approach reeks of philosophical arrogance. Their made-up scenario about a woman who marries seven brothers is just a smokescreen to avoid truth. Dr. Spoon highlights how people still do this today—raising hypotheticals (“What about the guy on an island?”) not out of genuine concern, but to dodge surrendering to the Gospel.
2. The Sadducees’ Sad Strategy
Rather than seek truth, the Sadducees seek control. They quote Scripture to Jesus (from Deuteronomy 25), trying to trap Him with theology they don’t even believe in. Dr. Spoon cleverly points out the irony—Sadducees denying the resurrection yet basing their challenge on resurrection-based logic. Like modern skeptics, they argue in bad faith. And just like today’s deflectors, their far-fetched hypotheticals aren’t about discovering God—they’re about avoiding accountability. The heart of their resistance isn’t theological—it’s moral. As Dr. Spoon notes, people don’t reject God because He’s unreasonable; they reject Him because they don’t want to answer to Him.
3. Jesus’ Mic-Drop Moment
In one of the boldest rebukes in the Gospels, Jesus tells them plainly: “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” Ouch. Dr. Spoon relishes this moment—not to mock, but to underscore how serious this diagnosis is. Jesus identifies their root problem: ignorance of Scripture and ignorance of God’s power. This isn’t just a problem for ancient Sadducees—it’s a modern crisis. Christians today often live spiritually weak lives because they don’t really know their Bible, and they’ve stopped believing God can do the impossible. Faith without power is just ritual. But faith rooted in God’s Word and Spirit is unstoppable.
4. Real Faith, Real Surrender
Dr. Spoon wraps the message with a heartfelt reflection: many Christians, even sincere ones, fall into powerless faith because they stop pressing in. He warns against asking “clever” spiritual questions while avoiding surrender. Instead, he urges believers to know Scripture deeply, and seek God's power genuinely. Prayer isn’t just about getting answers—it’s about yielding our hearts. Jesus doesn’t invite us to cleverness; He invites us to childlike trust. The real issue isn’t whether we can outwit God—it’s whether we’ll trust Him enough to let Him change us. And that begins with knowing His Word and believing in His power.
 

05-05-25 part 2: Covenant Confirmed: From Name Change to Never-Ending Joy

Change to 1. When God Says Reboot, Say Yes
Dr. Spoon opens with Genesis 17:1, highlighting how God appeared to Abram at age 99 and called him to recommit: “Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life.” This wasn’t due to disobedience, but because God often invites His people into a spiritual “reboot.” Dr. Spoon encourages listeners that moments of recommitment—whether prayer at the altar, baptism, or a simple renewal of purpose—are healthy and holy. Don’t let others talk you out of responding to the Spirit. If your heart says, “It’s time to refresh my faith,” then do it—unto the Lord.
2. A Guarantee Like No Other
God’s promise to Abram came with something unmatched: a divine guarantee. Unlike corporate promises or political pledges, God’s word is immovable. Dr. Spoon humorously compares this to unreliable “money-back guarantees,” reminding us that when God guarantees something, it’s as good as done. The covenant with Abram wasn't just ceremonial—it was a divine assurance of blessing, purpose, and destiny. Abram’s response? He fell to the ground in awe. Not because he was old, but because he was humbled by the holy. When God speaks, the only right response is reverence.
3. The Devil Will Steal—But You Can Steal Back
Dr. Spoon shifts gears to practical encouragement for the weary believer. When Satan robs you of joy, don’t stay down—go right back into God’s presence. Whether it's worship, prayer, fellowship, or Bible study, reclaim what was taken. And if the enemy steals it again? Go back again. And again. And again. The joy of the Lord is found in His presence, and it’s our strength. Like refilling a gas tank, our faith and joy must be refreshed often. The Lord doesn’t fault you for needing to refill—He welcomes it.
4. A New Name, A New Legacy
Finally, Dr. Spoon celebrates the divine name change from Abram (“exalted father”) to Abraham (“father of many”). This wasn’t just a symbolic change—it was a prophetic upgrade. God didn’t just bless Abraham—He blessed generations through him. And just like Abraham, believers are promised a new name (Revelation 2:17) when they overcome. It’s a mark of intimacy, transformation, and eternal identity. Dr. Spoon reminds us: you’re not just living for today—you’re being shaped for eternity. When God gives you a new name, it’s a divine declaration of who you truly are in Him.

05-05-25 part 1: God’s Love Letter Malachi, Messengers, and the Mystery of His Deep Affection

1. Malachi: The Final Word Before the Silence
Dr. Spoon introduces the book of Malachi as the last prophetic voice of the Old Testament—a divine bridge between the old covenant and the coming of Christ. Malachi means “my messenger,” and the structure of the book is unique: a disputational dialogue where God presents charges, the people question them, and He responds with truth. This literary form reveals a people struggling with spiritual apathy and distorted worship. Written after the rebuilding of the temple (likely between 450–430 BC), the book calls Israel back to covenant faithfulness. It’s a divine wake-up call before 400 years of prophetic silence.
2. God’s First Words: “I Have Loved You Deeply”
Dr. Spoon highlights the very first message God gives through Malachi: “I have loved you deeply.” This is not a casual statement. It’s a foundational truth. And yet the people respond with skepticism: “Really? How have You loved us?” Dr. Spoon powerfully challenges listeners not to measure God’s love by human standards or circumstances. The Lord’s love is deep, faithful, unchanging. It is not earned or lost by performance. If it were, we’d all be disqualified. The first thing God wants His people to know before the close of the Old Testament is not judgment—it’s His unwavering love.
3. Love That Corrects but Never Quits
God’s love isn’t blind—it’s holy. Dr. Spoon makes it clear that while God’s love is constant, it doesn’t mean He’s indifferent to our rebellion or compromise. He still calls His people to repentance, but not because He’s angry—because He loves too much to let them stay lost. Many Christians struggle with feeling unworthy or believe God’s love is tied to their spiritual performance. Dr. Spoon gently dismantles that lie. The depth of God’s love is proven in His pursuit of us even in our mess. His correction is a sign of His commitment—not His rejection.
4. Don’t Miss the Invitation to Forever
The final image Dr. Spoon offers is deeply personal and powerful. He invites listeners to picture God saying, “Let’s hang out forever.” That’s not just poetry—it’s theology. The Father’s love is greater than any human’s, even your own self-love. And He doesn’t just tolerate you—He desires you. The proper response to His love isn’t demanding proof or gifts—it’s surrender, relationship, and a desire to please Him. God’s love is not only for eternity—it’s for right now. If the first message of Malachi is “I love you,” then your first response should be, “I believe You.”